The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section of the MCAT can feel like an uphill battle. But with the right strategies, you can approach each passage confidently, maintain focus, and tackle tricky questions without letting stress derail your performance. This guide will equip you with proven techniques to master the CARS section and boost your score.

Article Overview:

Clear the passage as you read: Focus on structure, reasoning, and evidence. Treat difficult parts as “open questions.”
Balance flow and structure: Move sequentially through the passage while zooming out to reflect on its overall argument.
Stay disciplined with questions: Don’t get stuck, avoid fishing expeditions, and answer the question stem before reviewing the choices.
Manage stress with biofeedback: Use breathing techniques and mental resets to stay calm and focused.
Recover quickly from tough passages: Breathe, reset, and approach the next passage with a clear mind.

Practice

Step 1: The Art of Critical Reading

When approaching a CARS passage, think of it as “clearing a field.” Your goal is to make the passage comprehensible by focusing on its structure, reasoning, and evidence.

As you read, ask yourself:

What claims is the author making?
What evidence supports these claims?
Are there gaps or flaws in the argument?
How is the passage structured—does it flow logically?

By answering these questions, you'll develop a clear understanding of the passage and anticipate potential question types.

Navigating Difficult Passages

Dense paragraphs or unfamiliar concepts can feel overwhelming.

Here’s how to handle them:

Pause and acknowledge the challenge: Recognize when you’ve encountered a tricky section but don’t panic. Focus on getting the gist.
Treat it as an open question: Don’t get stuck. Make a mental note of the challenging part and move forward—clarification often comes later in the passage.

Pro tip: Imagine the author is explaining the passage to you.

Ask yourself, “What is the author trying to say?” This approach keeps you engaged and prevents confusion from pushing you out of the passage.

Step 2: Balancing Flow and Structure

Reading a CARS passage requires balancing two perspectives:

Flow: Follow the passage like a conversation, moving sequentially from start to finish.
Structure: After each paragraph, zoom out and reflect on its main point and how it connects to the overall argument.

Shifting between these perspectives ensures you capture the full meaning of the passage while maintaining your pace and focus.

Step 3: Tackling the Questions

Once you’ve read the passage, it’s time to answer the questions. Here’s how to stay focused:

Don’t Make the Perfect the Enemy of the Good

No single question will make or break your score. If a question is taking too long, flag it, make your best guess, and move on. Prioritize steady progress over perfection.

Use Your “Get-Out-of-Jail-Free” Cards

Start the section with a mental stack of these cards to use when stuck:

Flag the question: If you’re unsure, pick the least-worst answer, flag it, and move on.
Avoid “fishing expeditions”: Only return to the passage if you have a clear idea of where to look.

Read the Question Stem Carefully

The MCAT often includes wrong answers that correspond to common misinterpretations. Take your time with the question stem to avoid falling into these traps.

Answer Before Looking at the Options

Before reviewing the answer choices, try to answer the question in your head. Then, match your answer to the closest option. This minimizes the risk of being misled by distractors.

Step 4: Managing Stress

The MCAT is designed to test more than just your knowledge—it challenges your ability to stay calm under pressure. Here are ways to manage stress and maintain focus:

Biofeedback Techniques

Your body and mind are interconnected. Use biofeedback to calm your nervous system:

Body scan: Close your eyes and mentally relax each muscle group from head to toe.
Controlled breathing: Practice the four-four-four technique—inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds.

Reset Every 30 Minutes

Divide the section into 30-minute blocks. After each block, take a moment to reset with deep breathing and visualization. This simple mental break can help sustain your focus and energy.

Step 5: Recovering from a Hard Passage

Struggling with a particularly difficult passage can feel discouraging, but don’t let it derail your performance.

Take a moment: Before moving to the next passage, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and reset your mindset.
Let go of frustration: Approach the next passage as a fresh opportunity to succeed.
Use biofeedback techniques: Breathe deeply to lower your stress and regain focus.

Practice Makes Perfect

The CARS section challenges your focus, reasoning, and mental stamina. But with consistent practice and these proven strategies, you can make this section your strength.

If you’re ready to hone your skills, check out the King of the Curve app or visit kingofthecurve.org. With over 200 free CARS passages, adaptive question models, and personalized resources, we’ll help you prepare for your best MCAT performance yet.

Stay focused, keep practicing, and let’s ace the CARS section together!

Mastering the CARS Section: Top Strategies for Success